Councillors cautious on new proposals to help clean-up

MID-Cheshire council representatives have spoken about radical powers to keep their streets clean - though most are waiting before committing them to possible extra costs the powers will impose on them.

MID-Cheshire council representatives have spoken about radical powers to keep their streets clean - though most are waiting before committing them to possible extra costs the powers will impose on them.

Under the new Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, town and parish councils across Mid Cheshire will be able to issue onthe-spot fines of between £50 and £80 for offences including: nDog fouling; nLitter; nGraffiti, and fly-posting;

The councils will also be able to take people to court for the offences.

These powers were previously the sole preserve of borough councils and local councillors welcomed the move, though some expressed doubts over their ability - or even need - to use them.

Middlewich's Town Mayor Chalky White said: 'There is an issue of cost here, which would mean that any plans would have to be considered for the next budgetary year. In some instances, such as litter, we already have the Clean Team, which does a wonderful job of keeping the town tidy. And to implement the plans we would need to train someone fully to take on the role.

'But it's certainly something we'd consider, perhaps in a partnership agreement with an existing group such as Middlewich CAT. We might be able to pay towards it and then work with police on the areas where something like dog fouling is a big problem.' Northwich Town Council's Chief Executive Steve Sharman also questioned whether the council needed to take on the new powers.

He said: 'Our own Lengthmen already do a litter pick every day and the town centre is largely covered by borough council employees. From a town council point of view, I can't see us spending extra money on more staff as we already work hard on these issues.'

In Winsford, Town Mayor Tony Hooton was similarly sceptical, but admitted he'd be keen to discuss the new powers further.

He commented: 'This is something we've been looking at moving onto our meeting agenda, which we may do for the next Council meeting, or perhaps the one after.'